HEALTH chiefs in Worcester say people suffering anxiety and depression should try and 'live in the present' to beat their demons.

Leaders from the NHS South Worcestershire Clinical Commissioning Group are focusing on 'mindfulness' for Mental Health Awareness Week.

Mindfulness is a positive response to the pressures of modern lifestyles, in particular stress, anxiety and depression.

It focuses on the present moment without getting stuck in the past or worrying about the future.

Mindfulness is already known to be successful in helping people with mental and physical health problems, from depression to chronic pain, eating disorders and concentration, to boost productivity at work, and give us a greater enjoyment of life.

Dr Carl Ellson, Chief Clinical Lead for NHS South Worcestershire CCG said: “Good mental health wellbeing means feeling good about yourself and your life and being able to get on with it in the way that you want.

“Becoming more aware of the present and not focusing on the past or the future can help us enjoy the world around us more and understand ourselves better.

“Over recent years Mental Health Awareness Week has done a lot for people’s knowledge of mental health and this year’s focus on mindfulness will do a lot to increase knowledge of looking after mental wellbeing on a daily basis.”